Organizational culture: Perspectives and directions for professional development

Abstract

The role of culture and professional development may seem unrelated when initiating training and professional development; however, both culture and professional development are intimately connected. Organizations spend thousands, even as much as millions of dollars annually on training and professional development. In some cases, the investment by these organizations seems squandered on professional development, not carefully planned and implemented. Some studies attribute the failed planning and implementation of the training and professional development to the method of training, design of the content and the characteristics of the trainee. The research examined the definition of organizational culture, the types of organizational culture, and suggestions made on the perspectives and direction for professional development based on an effective organizational culture. In a fragmented culture, training and development will often be considered pointless and worthless rather than something of value. Culture within an organization is vital to an organization's success and plays a large role in the professional development of employees. When the idea of professional development is communicated to and promoted among employees, their acceptance of professional development can greatly influence their productivity and attitude in the workplace.